Fetal heart rate changes and uterine activity during coitus

Fetal heart rate and uterine activity were monitored during sexual intercourse in three otherwise normal gravid women at varying gestational ages. Increased uterine activity and a variety of fetal heart rate changes, some of which are traditionally identified as ominous, were seen in most instances immediately following orgasm. An increase in fetal activity was also commonly reported by the mothers. It is postulated that coitus is equivalent to an unmonitored contraction stress test.